Airport lounge access is more than a nice perk. On a long day of travel, an airport lounge can be an oasis of calm amidst the chaos: a comfortable, secure spot to rest, refuel, or catch up on some work before your next flight.
Most airport lounges require membership (and entry fees), but the best travel cards include membership and may even throw in free passes. Check out some of the credit cards that are offering this coveted perk.
Best airport lounge access credit cards
Tons of credit cards include lounge access as a perk, but the level of access and overall ease of use varies considerably. Use our top picks below to find a card with lounge access benefits that match your overall spending habits and reward preferences.
featured
Gold: Our top pick overall
Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite Card
Get 6 free passes annually to over 1,200 lounges globally. Plus, pay no foreign transaction fees when abroad.
GO TO SITE
Interest Rates:
20.99% purchase, 22.99% cash advance, 22.99% balance transfer
Welcome offer:
$350 value
Earn $350 in travel rewards (35,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card clients who spend $2,000 within the first 3 months
Anniversary bonus:
$100 value
featured
Silver: Best for luxury perks
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
Comes with unlimited access to premium Maple Leaf Lounges and over 1,200 more lounges worldwide.
GO TO SITE
Interest Rates:
21.99% purchase, 22.99% cash advance, 22.99% balance transfer
Welcome offer:
$1100 value
Earn a welcome bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase with your new card. Earn an additional 35,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 180 days of Account opening. Conditions Apply.
Anniversary bonus:
$600 value
featured
Bronze: Best for travel to the U.S.
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card
Get 4 passes annually to over 1,200 lounges globally. Plus, a Nexus fee rebate every 4 years.
GO TO SITE
Interest Rates:
20.99% purchase, 22.99% cash advance, 22.99% balance transfer
Welcome offer:
$900 value
Earn over $1,500 in value including a first year annual fee rebate.
Gold: Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite
Among the most popular airport lounge credit cards, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite provides maximum access with minimal fees, offering six free airport lounge visits per year. Adding to its travel-friendly allure is the fact that it’s one of the few cards in Canada that doesn’t charge the typical 2.5% foreign transaction (FX) fee. The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite is the only widely available no-foreign-exchange-fee card in Canada to also offer airport lounge access.
featured
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite
Annual fee: $150
Welcome offer: Earn up to $1,350 in value in the first 12 months, including up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points. Offer ends October 31, 2025.
Card details
| Interest rates | 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances, 22.99% on balance transfers |
| Income required | Personal income of $60,000 per year or household income of $100,000 per year |
| Credit score | 725 or higher |
| Point value | 1 Scene+ point = $0.01 when redeemed for travel on any airline or hotel (including Airbnbs). |
Silver: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege
For Aeroplan points collectors who want an elevated airport experience, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege credit card can be a great travel companion. This is the best credit card to offer access to luxury airport lounges. It’s packed with travel benefits like unlimited free access to Maple Leaf Lounges throughout North America and a welcome bonus worth almost three times that of the Scotiabank Gold. The major drawback? High annual fees—but with a big budget, the rewards could be worth it.
featured
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege
Annual fee: $599
Welcome offer: Earn up to $3,000 in value including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points could be yours. Conditions apply.
Card details
| Interest rates | 21.99% on purchases, 22.99% on balance transfers, 22.99% on cash advances (21.99% in Quebec) |
| Income required | Personal income of $150,000 or household income of $200,000 |
| Credit score | 680 or higher (recommended) |
| Anniversary bonus | Earn a one-time bonus of 30,000 Aeroplan points when you spend at least $24,000 within 12 months of opening the account. Conditions apply. |
| Point value | Aeroplan points are worth $0.02 on average |
Pros
- Unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access: Get unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges for you and a guest, and six free visits per year to over 1,200 airport lounges.
- Travel insurance: Get 31 days of coverage for travel medical (for those under 65), as opposed to the more common 15–21 days. Also get coverage for trip interruptions, flight delays, baggage, rental cars, and more.
- NEXUS fee rebate: Enjoy a NEXUS application fee rebate of up to $100 every 48 months.
- Air Canada travel perks: Get priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling, plus an annual round-trip companion pass and free checked bags for you and up to 8 others on your reservation when flying with Air Canada.
Cons
- Only valuable for Air Canada fliers: The best rewards value from this card comes through Air Canada flights, and many travel benefits (like priority check-in and boarding) only apply to flights operated by Air Canada.
- High annual fee: The $599 annual fee is steep, even for a premium card loaded with perks. For additional cardholders, there’s another yearly fee of $199.
- High income requirement: You’ll need to make at least $150,000 personally (or $200,000 for your household) to qualify
Bronze: CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite
The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite is the best airport lounge access card for frequent travellers to the U.S. Consider this card if you often visit the U.S. for vacations, work trips, or family visits. The card includes membership in the Visa Airport Companion Program with four free lounge visits per year. And, every four years, you get a statement credit of up to $100 towards your NEXUS application fee.
featured
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite
Annual fee: $139
Welcome offer: Earn over $1,500 in value, including a first year annual fee rebate.
Card details
| Interest rates | 21.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances, 22.99% on balance transfers |
| Income required | Personal income of $60,000 or household income of $100,000 |
| Credit score | 760 or higher |
| Point value | 1 point= $0.01 on average |
Pros
- 4 free lounge passes: Includes a free Visa Airport Companion Program membership offering four free visits at over 1,200 lounges per year.
- Insurance coverage: Enjoy a comprehensive travel insurance package, as well as mobile device coverage.
- NEXUS fee rebate: Get an application fee rebate of up to $100 every 4 years.
- First year free: Get a rebate for the primary cardholder and all authorized users for the first year you have this card.
- Fuel savings: Save up to 10 cents per litre with Journie Rewards at Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar, and Chevron stations.
Cons
- Limited earning potential: It’s difficult to earn on daily spending, with the highest earn rate of 2 points per $1 spent reserved for travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre.
- Limited redemptions: The value of points decreases when they’re not used for travel, and you’ll have to use the CIBC Rewards Centre to book travel with your points, whereas other cards allow using other providers and platforms to get the most value.
- Earning cap: There’s an $80,000 cap on the 1.5-point earn rate, after which you only get 1 point per $1 on groceries, gas, and drugstore purchases.
How we determine the best cards
To select the best cards that include airport lounge access, we evaluated several key factors that are important when using a travel credit card. We primarily focused on the number of free visits included with the card, the lounge program itself, and other card details like annual fees, rewards, and overall card acceptance. Read more about the MoneySense selection process and about how MoneySense makes money.
Other top credit cards for airport lounge access
If none of those cards catch your eye, you might prefer one of our alternative cards that happen to offer airport lounge access.
Best Mastercard: BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard
Included lounge programs: Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass
Number of lounge visits: 4 free annual lounge visits
featured
BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard
Annual fee: $150
Welcome offer: Earn up to 100,000 points
Card details
| Interest rates | Interest rates: 21.99% on purchases, 23.99% on balance transfers, 23.99% on cash advances |
| Income required | Personal income of $80,000 or household income of $150,000 |
| Credit score | 760 or higher |
| Point value | 1 BMO Rewards point = $0.0067 when redeemed for travel |
Best super-premium: The American Express Platinum Card
Included lounge programs: Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Lounges, Plaza Premium, and Delta Sky Lounges
Number of lounge visits: Unlimited access
American Express Platinum
Annual fee: $799
Welcome offer: Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards points ($1,000 value). New Platinum card members, earn 70,000 points after you charge $10,000 in net purchases to your card in your first 3 months of card membership. Plus, earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between 15 and 17 months of card membership.
Card details
| Interest rates | N/A (as a charge card, you’re required to pay off your balance in full every month) |
| Income required | None |
| Credit score | 760 or higher |
| Anniversary bonus | $200 annual dining credit to use at a curated list of Canada’s top restaurants. Plus, $200 annual travel credit when booking through American Express Travel Online. |
| Point value | 1 Amex Membership Rewards point = $0.01 when redeemed with the Flexible Points Travel Program, $0.015 on average with the Fixed Points Travel Program, and up to $0.02 with airline points transfers |
Best no-fee: Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard
Included lounge programs: Mastercard Travel Pass
Number of lounge visits: No free passes
featured
Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard
Annual fee: $0
Welcome offer: None at this time.
Card details
| Interest rates | 25.99% on purchases, 27.99% on cash advances, 27.99% on balance transfers |
| Income required | $80,000 per year |
| Credit score | 725 or higher |
Pros
- Travel Pass membership: You’ll get complimentary membership to Mastercard Travel Pass, giving you access to over 1,300 lounges for $32 USD per person per visit.
- Travel insurance: You can use six types of coverage, including emergency medical, trip cancellation and car rental damage coverage—a rare perk for a no-fee card.
- Offset forex fees on U.S. purchases: Earn 3% cash back on all purchases made in U.S. dollars, both in-person and online. That’s enough to offset the typical 2.5% foreign transaction fee charged by most credit cards.
- High base earn rate: The 1.5% base earn rate is higher than any other no-fee card in Canada. Plus, unlike most cards, there are no earnings caps.
- Customer bonus: Rogers, Fido, and Shaw customers earn an additional 0.5% on all purchases (for a total of 2%). Plus, get a 1.5x redemption bonus when applying your cashback rewards to bill payments with Rogers, Fido, and Shaw.
Cons
- No boosted earn categories: Other cards offer higher earn rates on select categories, which could help you reap more rewards, depending on your spending habits.
- High income requirements: The steep $80,000 personal or $150,000 annual household income requirements could put this card out of reach for many Canadians.
Best airline: American Express Aeroplan Reserve
Included lounge programs: Priority Pass and Maple Leaf Lounge
Number of lounge visits: Unlimited for primary, additional cardholders, and one guest on eligible Air Canada and Star Alliance flights
featured
American Express Aeroplan Reserve
Annual fee: $599
Welcome offer: Earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points. Earn 60,000 points after you spend $7,500 in your first 3 months of card membership. Plus, earn an additional 25,000 points after you spend $2,500 on your card in month 13
Card details
| Interest rates | 21.99% on purchases and 21.99% on cash advances, penalty APR on purchases and cash advances (rates are variable) |
| Income required | None specified |
| Credit score | 725 or higher |
| Point value | Aeroplan points are worth $0.02 on average |
Pros
- Premium airport benefits: Enjoy exclusive Air Canada perks like priority check-in and boarding, and a free checked bag on eligible Air Canada flights for you and up to eight travel companions. Get Toronto Pearson Airport perks like priority security, complimentary valet parking, and discounts on parking and car care services.
- NEXUS fee rebate: Receive an application or renewal fee rebate every four years, of up to $100.
- Travel perks: Get an annual worldwide companion pass at a fixed base fare between $99 and $599. You’ll also enjoy preferred pricing on Air Canada flight redemptions.
- Earn points twice: Pay with this card and provide your Aeroplan number at partner brands and online retailers to earn points twice.
- Extensive travel insurance: Includes coverage for travel medical, trip cancellation/interruption, flight delays, baggage, hotel burglaries, travel accidents, and rental cars.
Cons
- Lower acceptance as an Amex: American Express might not be accepted by smaller-scale merchants due to the high transaction fees the network charges.
- High annual fee: The hefty $599 is one of the highest in Canada.
- No mobile device insurance: Most premium cards offer coverage for new mobile devices.
- Limited redemption value: Points have their highest value when redeeming for Air Canada flights.
Best for business: Business Platinum Card from American Express
Included lounge programs: Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Lounges, and Plaza Premium
Number of lounge visits: Unlimited
The Business Platinum Card from American Express
Annual fee: $799
Rewards: 1.25 points on everything for every $1 in card purchases.
Welcome offer: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $15,000 on your Card within your first 3 months as a new business platinum cardmember.
Pros
- Annual travel credit: Enjoy $200 every year to put toward travel expenses.
- Comprehensive insurance coverage: Includes coverage for travel medical, trip cancellation/interruption, flight delays, baggage, hotel burglaries, travel accidents, and rental cars.
- High-value redemption options: Choose from options like charitable donations, Ticketmaster, gift cards, merchandise, or transfer points to other rewards programs.
Cons
- High annual fee: The $799 annual fee may put this card out of reach for some Canadians.
- Lower acceptance as Amex: American Express isn’t as widely accepted as Visa and Mastercard.
Reddit reviews: The best credit cards for airport lounge access according to Canadian cardholders
We’re always curious to hear what real cardholders have to say about credit card benefits, so we turned to Reddit. Not surprisingly, our Gold pick appeared in the comments.
Others noted the unlimited lounge access through the American Express Platinum card, but some said that the high annual fee became an issue.
Types of airport lounge access
There’s often more than one way to get into an airport lounge. Access usually depends on what type of lounge you’re trying to get into.
- Airline lounges: These lounges are operated and associated with a single airline, although some allow partner airlines to use their lounges. Examples include Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounge and Elevation Lounge operated by WestJet. To access these lounges, you typically need to present a same-day boarding pass. Some lounges might require a specific fare type, too. If you’re an elite status member of their loyalty program, you may also get lounge access.
- Third-party lounges: Examples include Plaza Premium, Priority Pass, and DragonPass. These third-party lounges require annual membership, which you can purchase or get with a qualifying credit card. However, you’ll also have to pay an entry fee each time you use a participating lounge (unless your card includes free passes).
- Credit card lounges: Some credit card companies operate their own lounges. The classic example is the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which features Amex Centurion Lounges. You can’t buy your way into these exclusive lounges; instead, you have to present a qualifying premium Amex card along with your same-day boarding pass.
Airport lounge programs in Canada: A comparison
Wondering which lounges you can actually visit with your lounge passes? Credit cards in Canada offer access to one or more of the following airport lounge programs:
| Program | Number of lounges | Credit cards with lounge access | Key details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges | 27 across North America and Europe | Aeroplan co-branded premium credit cards | Maple Leaf Lounges can only be used by customers departing on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, Air Canada Express or a Star Alliance partner airline |
| Plaza Premium Lounge | 250+ worldwide | World Mastercards, Visa Infinite | Available for bookings by the hour, but included in DragonPass and Priority Pass membership |
| DragonPass | 1,300+ worldwide | Mastercards, World Elite Mastercards (via the Mastercard Travel Pass program)
Visa Infinite, Visa Infinite Privilege cards (via the Visa Airport Companion program) |
Includes access to Plaza Premium lounges in Canada, as well as hundreds of different lounge programs worldwide
Cardholders can usually use their free passes for themselves and for a guest, but rules vary by lounge |
| Priority Pass | 1,700+ worldwide | American Express (via the American Express Global Lounge Collection) | Includes access to Plaza Premium lounges in Canada, as well as hundreds of different lounge programs worldwide
Cardholders can usually use their free passes for themselves and for a guest, but rules vary by lounge |
| Centurion Lounges | 29 worldwide | American Express (via the American Express Global Lounge Collection) | Centurion Lounges typically feature high-quality meals and elevated amenities like spa services, nap pods and showers |
How to choose a credit card for lounge access
Every traveler is different, and so is every cardholder. If you’re trying to decide between different credit cards’ lounge access benefits, here are a few questions to consider.
How frequently do you fly? Think about how often you’ll really use the lounge passes that come with a credit card to help you determine if paying a card’s annual fee is worth it. If you only travel once or twice a year, the 4 passes offered by BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard or CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite will likely be sufficient. On the other hand, if you fly more than once a month and have plenty of layovers on your trips, a card with unlimited lounge access like the American Express Platinum Card could be well worth the annual fee if it fits your budget.
Does the lounge program match your travel habits? Not all lounges are equal, and having access to more lounges doesn’t mean greater value. For instance, when it comes to DragonPass vs Priority Pass, both memberships include access to the popular Plaza Premium Lounge network as well as more exclusive airline lounges—but access isn’t guaranteed, especially at busy airports or peak travel times. If you mainly fly with Air Canada and its partners around North America, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege might offer greater comfort with access to Maple Leaf Lounges.
Which rewards program do you want to participate in? Lounge access is just one small part of what makes a credit card unique. Remember, when you’re getting a new card, you’re deciding which rewards system you want to work with. This determines how you earn points, miles, or cash back and how you can redeem your rewards.
Do you meet the card’s income requirements? Many of the cards that include airport lounge access have steep personal or household income requirements. Take these into consideration when shopping for a new travel credit card. If you don’t meet income requirements, you may need to purchase airport lounge membership instead.
What other travel credit card benefits do you value? A credit card with no foreign transaction fee like the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite can save you a tidy sum on overseas purchases, while a card bundled with solid travel insurance protects you against unforeseen travel hiccups.
Are airport lounge access credit cards worth it?
Airports have a captive customer base, and they know it: food and beverage prices at airports can border on daylight robbery, and it’s not hard to spend $20 to $50 per person on food and drinks. This alone could justify the cost of access to an airport lounge, where food, drinks, and alcohol are complimentary.
Convenience and comfort are additional lounge benefits that you won’t find in the airport outside. If you travel with a lot of carry-on baggage, fly long-haul, or have a long layover, airport lounges are also a much-needed sanctuary where you can freshen up with a shower, catch up on work, or simply take a nap.
Looking at the cost of airport lounge programs mentioned above, each lounge pass included with your credit card could be worth $25 USD, on average. So, if you know you’ll use them, lounge access credit cards are definitely worth it.
